#56 - Unlocking the Potential of Scholarly Podcasts with Professors.fm, Featuring Robert Li

Higher Ed Storytelling University

My guest today is Robert Li, co-founder and owner of University FM, and podcast network manager of Professors.FM, a podcast network featuring top scholars.

In this conversation, Robert shares insights on the current higher ed podcasting landscape and the potential of scholarly podcasts to elevate research and university brands. We discuss launching faculty-hosted shows, making academic research more accessible, and the benefits of joining Professors FM.

Robert also offers advice for getting faculty involved in podcasting and overcoming common hesitations. If you're a higher ed marketer or faculty member interested in podcasting, tune in!

Key Takeaways:

• While many universities launched podcasts during COVID, Robert sees opportunities for higher quality, vision-driven scholarly podcasts.
• Scholarly podcasts allow professors to communicate key research insights engagingly, making academia more publicly accessible.
• Long-form podcasts (2-4 hours) succeed when the host makes dense content conversational and actionable for lay audiences.
• For faculty, the benefits of podcasting include bolstering the institution's brand, expanding research impact, and inspiring public discourse.
• Robert recommends universities identify star faculty as consistent hosts, or start with a "podcast guesting" strategy before launching their own show.
• Joining a network like Professors FM aids audience growth through cross-promotion and provides a peer community for scholarly podcasters.

Example Mentioned:

• The Huberman Lab Podcast by Andrew Huberman (Stanford)

Connect with Robert:

• Websites:
  • https://university.fm/
  • https://www.professors.fm/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiganrobertli/

Connect with John:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnazoni
• Website: https://unveild.tv
• Newsletter: https://unveild.tv/newsletter